Protein powder has an incredible shelf life (you can read more here → Does Protein Powder Expire?), but storing it properly will ensure it is good until the very last scoop.
Many protein powders come in a plastic container with a screw-on lid that can easily be tightly closed and stored. Some powders come in a pouch bag, and you should take extra precautions to maintain freshness for longer periods of time.
Protein powder should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place like a kitchen cabinet or pantry, but never in the fridge. Keep an eye on the expiration date, especially if you buy in bulk.
After each use, you need to close the lid tightly to prevent getting moisture into the powder.
No amount of liquid should get into the tub or pouch while it is open, so if you rinsed the scoop off make sure it is dry before placing it in the container.
Pouch instead of container?
If the protein powder came in a pouch bag with a sealable strip, then you need to take extra care to ensure its freshness. Often powders in a pouch develop an odor within just a few days after being opened, so here are some recommendations to reduce funky smells.
Always securely seal the pouch and have it open for a minimal amount of time. This is the same for powders kept in a container. Exposing the powder to outside elements like oxygen, sunlight, heat or moisture is not good for maintaining freshness.
Most often, with resealable pouches, a little gap is usually left open when you zip the bag. That tiny opening is enough to let in moisture and air into the bag. This will accelerate the deterioration of the protein powder.
Transferring the protein powder from the pouch to an airtight container with a tight lid will increase its shelf life and keep it from losing its potency.
By the way, I highly recommend checking out my Protein Brownies! They’re incredibly gooey, fudgy and do not taste at all weird. :D
